Code Compliance – Requirements for Crossing a Buried LPG Line with an Electric Line

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Trenching for 1" Non-Metallic Liquidtight Conduit Type LFNC-B with 18" cover (10-3 W/G UF wire installed, 240V with 30A breaker) to serve a well. Just bumped into LPG line crossing conduit's path at same 18" depth. What is code requirement here? Can I still bury conduit here and if so, how far away from the LPG line must it be?

Could concrete be used to safely separate the lines-if so, how?

Do not have an alternate route for the electric line that would not cross LPG line.

Best Answer

Here's a reference to a document published by Puget Sound Energy regarding minimum separation (both horizontal and vertical) for gas and electrical service, so you can cross them.

In general it looks like at least 6" vertical separation with conduit, or 12" if the electrical is direct-bury. I'd check local code.

http://pse.com/accountsandservices/Construction/Documents/3061.pdf

I had it in my head that pulling that cable through conduit didn't meet code, but I think I was wrong (with qualifications, maybe). The hardest thing about that cable inside conduit is going to be pulling the cable. You're pulling a lot of extra insulation and it won't go around corners easily, etc. I guess the 1" conduit will help with that a little.

But considering the cable you purchased, couldn't you skip the conduit and just bury the cable (with appropriate protection where it emerges from the ground)?